New James Bond Game 007 First Light Delayed to May 2026
007 First Light Release Date Officially Delayed
IO Interactive has officially delayed the release of 007 First Light. The upcoming James Bond game will no longer launch in March 2026. The studio confirmed that the delay is short. Players will only need to wait an extra two months to experience the new Bond origin story.
New Release Date Confirmed for May 2026
IO Interactive originally planned to release the game on March 27, 2026. That plan has now changed. The 007 First Light release date is set for May 27, 2026. CEO Hakan Abrak shared the update on social media. He explained that the game is already playable from start to finish. The extra time will focus on polishing and refining the experience.
Why IO Interactive Delayed 007 First Light
Abrak stated that the delay will help the team meet fan expectations. The goal is to deliver the strongest possible version of the game at launch. He also reassured fans that development is progressing smoothly. More updates about 007 First Light will arrive in early 2026. Many fans responded positively and supported the decision.
007 First Light Tells a New Bond Origin Story
The game explores James Bond’s early days as a rookie MI6 agent. Players will follow Bond as he works toward earning his 00 status and license to kill.
Irish actor Patrick Gibson voices the young Bond. Classic characters like Q and M will appear alongside new faces created by IO Interactive. The main villain, Bawma, was revealed during The Game Awards 2025 and is portrayed by Lenny Kravitz.
The New Release Date Has an Interesting Coincidence
The updated 007 First Light release date lands just one day after the former launch date of GTA 6. Rockstar Games had previously planned to release GTA 6 on May 26, 2026.
Rockstar later delayed GTA 6 to November 19, 2026. While the overlap is likely a coincidence, the timing stands out. Both games remain among the most anticipated titles of 2026.
May 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Busy Month
With GTA 6 now scheduled for later in the year, players will have time to enjoy other releases. Alongside 007 First Light, late May 2026 will also see the launch of Paralives, The Relic: First Guardian, and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
More announcements could still expand the May 2026 release calendar.
IO Interactive Wants a Unique Bond Experience
IO Interactive has already stated that 007 First Light will not copy the Hitman formula. While the studio developed Hitman, it aims to create a distinct style for James Bond. With two extra months of development now available, fans are eager to see how the studio uses that time. The delay could help define a unique identity for the Bond franchise in gaming.
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